Written in the Stars

Stila Written in the Stars Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow Trio ($25.00 for 0.21 oz.) contains three, miniature-sized glitter-tastic liquid eyeshadows (they’re about half the size of a full-sized shade). All three are also available individually in the permanent line-up, and the three here were fairly consistent with my full-sized versions; to manage the holiday deluge, I did not re-test these for wear. I love that the brand put out a set of these, as cream/liquid products typically expire faster than powders, so it can be hard to justify or partake in lots of shades at full-sized quantities and have any hope of finishing one. The three shades included seem to be good, more “universal” kind of shades, though they will be best for layering over other base colors or spread over the lid as an all-over wash of glitter. I really enjoy the effect of this formula for layering, but if you’re after them as a standalone product, you may be less enamored with them.

Diamond Dust

Diamond Dust is a glittering silver with multi-colored flecks of iridescent sparkle and micro-glitter. Within the range, this had more of a clear base (as far as my eye could tell) and was just chocked full of glitter and sparkle, so it worked particularly well as a layering shade and less so as a standalone product. Per Sephora’s description, it was listed as a “sheer” shade, so the semi-sheer to medium coverage it had seemed in line with that description. It does have a fairly watery feel so it took a bit longer to dry down. It lasted for eight hours with slight fallout.

Formula Overview

$24.00/0.15 oz. - $160.00 Per Ounce

Stila says that it’s supposed to be a “long-wearing, sparkle eye shadow” in a “water-infused texture” that “dries down smoothly” with “minimal fallout.” There’s a lot to be impressed by with the formula, but there was some inconsistency in opacity and overall wateriness between shades so not all shades were equally impressive. When they’re good, they were pigmented, dried down evenly without creasing, and were long-wearing with minimal fallout. When they’re less impressive, they are more watery, semi-sheer to semi-opaque, prone to creasing as they dry down, though the wear is similar across all shades.

I felt like there was less fallout with the less blending done with them, e.g. applying directly to lid and only minimally working along the edges yielded the least fallout compared to diffusing and blending out the color with a brush. If I accidentally rubbed an eye, it seemed to interfere with the integrity of the wear completely–it was like a downhill avalanche of glitter that could not be stopped. They were easiest to use as the last step in a look, patted over eyeshadow with fingertip or swiped on with the sponge applicator for more of a “cut crease” kind of effect, or used along the lash line as eyeliner (I liked using a thin, liquid eyeliner brush to get a thinner line). They removed fairly well, but it was hard to get every last bit of glitter off the skin, though it was never painful or uncomfortable to remove them.

Smoky Storm

Smoky Storm is a medium-dark taupe brown with golden undertones and larger gold glitter. It had medium coverage, and it did seem to be a little more watery (and subsequently, less pigmented) compared to the permanent version I have. The consistency was thin, watery, and liquidy, but it dried down fairly fast and did not crease or gather in my fine lines. It wore well for eight hours and had just a touch of fallout over time.

Formula Overview

$24.00/0.15 oz. - $160.00 Per Ounce

Stila says that it’s supposed to be a “long-wearing, sparkle eye shadow” in a “water-infused texture” that “dries down smoothly” with “minimal fallout.” There’s a lot to be impressed by with the formula, but there was some inconsistency in opacity and overall wateriness between shades so not all shades were equally impressive. When they’re good, they were pigmented, dried down evenly without creasing, and were long-wearing with minimal fallout. When they’re less impressive, they are more watery, semi-sheer to semi-opaque, prone to creasing as they dry down, though the wear is similar across all shades.

I felt like there was less fallout with the less blending done with them, e.g. applying directly to lid and only minimally working along the edges yielded the least fallout compared to diffusing and blending out the color with a brush. If I accidentally rubbed an eye, it seemed to interfere with the integrity of the wear completely–it was like a downhill avalanche of glitter that could not be stopped. They were easiest to use as the last step in a look, patted over eyeshadow with fingertip or swiped on with the sponge applicator for more of a “cut crease” kind of effect, or used along the lash line as eyeliner (I liked using a thin, liquid eyeliner brush to get a thinner line). They removed fairly well, but it was hard to get every last bit of glitter off the skin, though it was never painful or uncomfortable to remove them.

Kitten Karma

Kitten Karma is a medium, rosy copper base with flecks of larger, silver and copper sparkle. It had semi-opaque color payoff, but it was hard to build up without the texture becoming thick and uneven. The consistency was thin, a little watery, but not to the point where it extended the dry down or made it hard to work with. The eyeshadow stayed on well for eight hours with minimal fallout.

Formula Overview

$24.00/0.15 oz. - $160.00 Per Ounce

Stila says that it’s supposed to be a “long-wearing, sparkle eye shadow” in a “water-infused texture” that “dries down smoothly” with “minimal fallout.” There’s a lot to be impressed by with the formula, but there was some inconsistency in opacity and overall wateriness between shades so not all shades were equally impressive. When they’re good, they were pigmented, dried down evenly without creasing, and were long-wearing with minimal fallout. When they’re less impressive, they are more watery, semi-sheer to semi-opaque, prone to creasing as they dry down, though the wear is similar across all shades.

I felt like there was less fallout with the less blending done with them, e.g. applying directly to lid and only minimally working along the edges yielded the least fallout compared to diffusing and blending out the color with a brush. If I accidentally rubbed an eye, it seemed to interfere with the integrity of the wear completely–it was like a downhill avalanche of glitter that could not be stopped. They were easiest to use as the last step in a look, patted over eyeshadow with fingertip or swiped on with the sponge applicator for more of a “cut crease” kind of effect, or used along the lash line as eyeliner (I liked using a thin, liquid eyeliner brush to get a thinner line). They removed fairly well, but it was hard to get every last bit of glitter off the skin, though it was never painful or uncomfortable to remove them.

10 Comments

Discussion and debate are highly encouraged, and we expect community members to participate respectfully. When asking a question, please check the post above for information regarding pricing, availability, dupes, and availability, and keep discussion on-topic.

Please do not ask if/when a review will be posted as we cannot review everything and often change priorities from day-to-day. If you have general feedback, a product review request, an off-topic question, or need technical support, please contact us. Thank you!

Comments that include advertisements, self-promotion, insults, etc. may be in violation of our comment policy and subject to deletion. Please see our comment policy for more information.

I got this set and absolutely love it. I’ve been using them like ready-to-wear cosmetic glitters rather than actual eyeshadows, and they’re fantastic that way! Much more convenient than having to faff about with a separate adhesive/medium. I was really happy when I found out that Stila was putting out a smaller, more affordable set, since I wouldn’t otherwise have room in my budget for it, especially for a liquid product with a shorter lifespan. I really hope they do this again!

Oh, and if anyone was on the fence about getting this, do it! They’re gorgeous.

I also like this formula for layering over other base products. I have all three of these colors and use them often. I also just picked up the rose gold shade but haven’t used it yet. I use the Diamond Dust shade frequently and find it is very versatile. I find that they wear well for me and I don’t get much if any fallout during the day. I pat the applicator over the area and then tap out a little with my finger and that is it. They dry down better than other similar products that I have.

Pretty…especially Kitten Karma and that name is too cute..but I really don’t like liquid eye shadows. Idk how different this is from just applying a glitter pigment with a bit of an adhesive but have experimented with liquid eyeshadows long ago…and hated how they wore.

If you don't see your comment yet, it's still in our moderation queue. We try our best to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind. Thank you for your patience!